Energy

Switch to fluorescent bulbs in areas where extended lighting is required. Though the initial price is higher than for incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights produce four times as much light per watt, last up to ten times as long and therefore cost one-third as much to operate.

Turn off lights when not in use. If you're worried about running into obstacles while feeling for light switches, invest in some fluorescent night-lights to illuminate halls and rooms just enough to locate switches safely.

Use an outdoor compact fluorescent light (CFL) that is between 9 and 18 watts if you are lighting outdoor areas for security. A CFL, which does not shine as bright as an incandescent flood spot, will save energy and actually permit better visibility into dark areas that aren't illuminated than brighter floods permit.